Which statement about patient access to health records is true?

Which statement about patient access to health records is true?

• A. Only physicians may access health records
• B. Patients cannot access their own records
• C. Records are publicly available
• D. All patients have the right to their health care records

Answer: (D)

Access to health records is a patient right that supports informed participation in care. Under privacy rules, individuals can inspect and obtain copies of their medical information, use it to understand their treatment, and help catch any errors. This right isn’t limited to physicians; health care staff involved in care and authorized representatives can access the records as needed, and patients can designate who else may view them. Records are not publicly available and are protected by confidentiality laws, with only limited, specific exceptions. This is why the statement that all patients have the right to access their health care records is the correct one.

Access to health records is a patient right that supports informed participation in care. Under privacy rules, individuals can inspect and obtain copies of their medical information, use it to understand their treatment, and help catch any errors. This right isn’t limited to physicians; health care staff involved in care and authorized representatives can access the records as needed, and patients can designate who else may view them. Records are not publicly available and are protected by confidentiality laws, with only limited, specific exceptions. This is why the statement that all patients have the right to access their health care records is the correct one.